Florida Bureau of Public Health laboratories

Blood parasite smear

The blood parasite smear test is a microscopic analysis of stained peripheral blood films (smears) used to detect, identify, and quantify various bloodborne pathogens.

Analyte(s)

Plasmodium spp., Babesia, trypanosomes, and microfilariae

Test Code

1200

Testing Location

Jacksonville Laboratory
Miami Laboratory

Testing Department

Microbiology

Pre-approval Required?

None

Required Forms

BPHL Test Requisition, DH1847

Include all required fields, travel history, and medical history section.

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Supply Ordering

Supplies may be requested from your servicing laboratory. Supplies ordered from BPHL should only be used for specimen sent to the BPHL for testing.

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Turn Around time

3 business days after receipt at the laboratory

Minimum Volume

At least 1 mL but 3 mL is preferred

Collection Media

EDTA blood tube AND Geisa or Wright-stained microscopy slides

Specimen Sources

Whole blood

Specimen Labeling

Specimen must be labeled with at least two unique patient identifiers, e.g., name and DOB, and date of collection.

Information on the specimen must match the requisition and/or test order. 

Special SPecimen Preparation

None

Storage Conditions

Ship specimens at 2–8° C as soon as possible after collection. If a delay is unavoidable, specimens may be stored for up to 7 days at 2-8° C after collection before shipping at 2-8° C.

Packaging and Shipping

Ship in a cooler with ice packs at 2-8° C as soon as possible after collection.

unsatisfactory specimen

1) Specimen was not labeled with 2 unique patient identifiers
2) Information on specimen does not match requisition/test order
3) Specimen was collected in an inappropriate collection media
4) Specimen leaked in transit

Interferences and Limitations

None

Reference Range

Negative: No parasite found

Result Indicator

Positive: Presence and identification of the parasite

Negative: No parasite found

Reference lab

CDC

Reflex testing

None